The hard work begins for Kinew and co.

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This article was published 19/10/2023 (729 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s the dawn of a new era in Manitoba politics.

While it’s true this inherently optimistic sentiment is expressed every time a new government is introduced, there’s something about Wednesday’s swearing-in of the NDP government led by Premier Wab Kinew that makes the oft-repeated observation seem particularly relevant.

Upon taking the oath of office during the ceremony at The Leaf at Assiniboine Park— a venue whose airy and uniquely verdant milieu was very much in keeping with the intended atmosphere of the event — Kinew became Manitoba’s 25th premier. He also became the first First Nations person to serve as premier of a Canadian province.

Effective Wednesday morning, Kinew leads a government that surely ranks as the most diverse the province’s citizens have ever elected; the gender-balanced NDP caucus includes members who identify as, among other things, First Nations, Métis, Black, Filipino, gender-diverse and LGBTTQ+.

When the NDP cabinet meets to begin the process of setting policy to shape Manitoba’s near- and mid-term future, it will include, among others, two First Nations females (none has ever been afforded a cabinet post before), a queer Black MLA (who will also serve as deputy premier), and an executive council that fully embodies both BIPOC and LGBTTQ+ representation.

If the deeply ceremonial swearing-in ceremony was intended to preview the manner in which Kinew intends to govern, what was signalled on Wednesday was an inclination toward inclusivity that has not often been on display during the past seven years.

Chief Betsy Kennedy of War Lake First Nation called the makeup of the new government “an example for all of Canada.” Former judge and retired senator Murray Sinclair, who presided over the signing of executive-council oaths, described the just-completed provincial election as Manitoba’s “true act of reconciliation,” adding that the province is “now entering a new phase.”

As is usually the case, the division of cabinet portfolios and responsibilities served as a clear commentary on the NDP’s legislative intentions. As is traditional for first ministers, Kinew appointed himself minister of intergovernmental affairs and international relations, but expanded the scope of that role by also assuming the title of minister for Indigenous reconciliation.

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Of equal importance in the cabinet swearing-in ceremony was the announcement that housing, addictions, homelessness and mental health will be grouped in a single portfolio, which will be overseen by Point Douglas MLA Bernadette Smith — a decision that underlines the new government’s commitment to addressing the most urgent social issues facing our communities, with an integrated approach intended to end chronic homelessness in Manitoba within eight years.

The jobs at hand are immensely challenging, but the mood at Wednesday’s ceremony was one of celebration and optimism, marked by traditional flourishes and Indigenous-themed song and dance.

Sinclair, who happily embraced the opportunity to say a few words before proceeding with the official business of ministerial oaths, offered Kinew and his team a bit of sagely advice: “Leadership is about how we treat each other and show the way for each other. In order to be a good leader, you have to love the people… even when they do not love you.”

It’s safe to say that optimism abounded at Wednesday’s ceremony. It’s also fair to conclude a hopeful outlook is warranted as this new government gets down to business. Given the magnitude of the challenges ahead, any such optimism must necessarily be tempered rather than boundless.

Regardless of how each of us voted on Oct. 3, however, we should all wish Premier Kinew and his government well as they confront the hard work that lies ahead.